Trae Young highlights LeBron James' defensive solidity against Nikola Jokic, credits Steph Curry for keeping USA in contention against Serbia
It has been two days since we witnessed LeBron James, Steph Curry and Team USA edge out Serbia 95-91 in the Olympics semifinals. Viewers are still analyzing and breaking down the astonishing back-and-forth encounter. This was one of the all-time greatest Olympic basketball games and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was the latest to provide his views on the thrilling game.
Few people understand high-level basketball the way Young does. The 25-year-old guard already has three All-Star Game appearances on his resume and is regarded as one of the NBA's elite scorers. He has featured in over 400 NBA games and was a member of the USA men's national Under-18 team.
Speaking on "Podcast P with Paul George," Young had some interesting observations after Team USA's memorable win. He pointed out that without Stephen Curry's clutch shooting, the USA could have been in some trouble early on.
"If you look at Steph, he had 36, but he also had eight rebounds, he also had nine assists. He did literally everything. ... if Steph didn't have 17 in the first quarter, they would have been down 20-plus," said Young.
Young also hailed LeBron James' defensive solidity, especially late in the game when the LA Lakers superstar took on the responsibility of guarding Serbia's star player, Nikola Jokic.
"I know he took the initiative on Jokic, but it's not like I'm saying LeBron didn't kill today. He's a big reason why they came back and won too," added Young.
Steph Curry's scoring early in the game was vital in preventing Serbia from taking an insurmountable lead. The sharpshooter was 9/14 from behind the arc and finished with 36 of the team's 95 points. He also chipped in with eight rebounds and two assists on the night.
LeBron James secured his first triple-double of the competition to lead USA to the Olympic finals
Steph Curry may have led the USA in scoring but LeBron James' contribution, especially late in the game, was outstanding. The four-time MVP made it a point to be on the ball on nearly every possession in the fourth quarter.
James had the monumental task of guarding the 6-foot-11 Nikola Jokic, who is coming off an incredible NBA season where he was named the league MVP for the third time in four years.
James also recorded the USA's first triple-double at the Olympics finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on the night.